Prior to becoming a television critic and owner of TV, Eh?, Greg David was a critic for TV Guide Canada, the country's most trusted source for TV news. He has interviewed television actors, actresses and behind-the-scenes folks from hundreds of television series from Canada, the U.S. and internationally. He is a podcaster, public speaker, weekly radio guest and educator, and past member of the Television Critics Association.
Canadian broadcaster Corus Entertainment confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Cochrane died Tuesday morning, with no word on the cause of death. Born in 1946, he retired from Corus in January 2014 as president of Teletoon Canada, the country’s cable kids channel that Cochrane launched on Oct. 21, 1997. Continue reading.Â
Link: Women Behind Canadian TV: Sandra Chwialkowska
“When you’re the only female in the room you’re looked to the point of view or voice of the female character. ‘What would she do at this juncture?’ Well the danger of any form of tokenism–racial, LGBT or any character that is different–is the danger of them having to encompass all aspects. So you lose opportunity to do specific or unique characters because all the sudden the one female has to represent all women.” Continue reading.
Greg is back from his vacation and raring to go. Among the topics he and Anthony discuss: the weekly calendar, Part 1 of our deep dive into this year’s Canadian Screen Award nominations for television and the long-awaited debut date for CraveTV’s What Would Sal Do?
“We’re not trying to say what’s right and what’s wrong. We’re just trying build a place where the debate can happen.” That, says Caroline Dhavernas, is at the heart of Mary Kills People, Global’s newest original drama.
Debuting Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the network, Mary Kills People will certainly elicit discussion about the subject matter. Dhavernas is Dr. Mary Harris, an emergency room doctor and mother who—with the help of her friend Des Bennett (Richard Short, Covert Affairs)—assists those who want to die. Mary struggles to keep her two careers in order while keeping her night job a secret from her family as the authorities—led by Det. Frank Gaines (Lyriq Bent, Shoot the Messenger)—investigates her. Add to that Mary’s intense feelings for a terminal patient named Joel (Jay Ryan, Beauty and the Beast) and her plate is full. (Look for Bitten‘s Greg Bryk, Rookie Blue‘s Matt Gordon and Charlotte Sullivan, and InSecurity‘s Grace Lynn Kung in key roles.)
Created by Tara Armstrong and executive-produced by Tassie and Amy Cameron alongside Armstrong, Jocelyn Hamilton and director Holly Dale, the six-part event provides plenty of dark comedy to go along with the serious subject matter. (That’s 19-2‘s Adrian Holmes in the opening twisted, gruesomely giddy opening scene.)
We spoke to Dhavernas about her character, the subject matter and where the show goes in the next six episodes.
(l-r) Bent, Ryan, Dhavernas and Short
Can you give me some background on Mary?
Caroline Dhavernas: She’s an ER doctor and a mom. She has this side gig where she assists people in their wish to die. Of course, it’s completely illegal and she will get in trouble for it. It comes from a place of compassion, really, because she has been very close to people who have had to make that decision and she deeply understands where that desire comes from. She doesn’t judge it and she also knows it’s not about her.
It’s a very emotional debate and there is a lot of grey zone. It becomes a lot about not knowing what death is all about because no one has come back to say what it is. We’re very afraid to send people over the edge because it almost feels like pushing them into a place that’s too dangerous. But the place these people are in is so damaging to them that they would rather go to the unknown. I think she gets all that. Not everyone does, and that’s why she gets into real trouble. What’s fascinating about this show is that we’re not trying to say what’s right and what’s wrong. We’re just trying build a place where the debate can happen. It’s fascinating subject matter and a great part. There are a lot of levels to play.
Where do you stand on the debate of doctor-assisted suicide?
I’m on Mary’s side. [Laughs.] It’s good, as a society, to have both sides to the discussion and hear what everyone else has to say. The more you talk about it, the more you know where you stand. If anything, this solidified how I feel about it.
Describe Mary’s relationship with Des.
We don’t really explain where they’re coming from, but I’m pretty sure they went to school together and have been friends forever. Des is going through a hard time because he’s done things that are very wrong for a doctor to do and she is trying to include him in all this and make him feel like a doctor again. They’re in this together and they have a very strong bond.
How many people know what Mary is doing? I feel like she’s going to get caught soon.
It is very illegal, so she will get in trouble for it. She is trying to not let too many people know but these people have families and diaries that she can’t control. Mary has one partner at the hospital, a nurse named Annie, who sees who needs help and meets with people who are asking for that help.
Related: Our podcast chat with Mary Kills People creator Tara Armstrong, executive producer Tassie Cameron and co-producer Marsha Greene
What were your first thoughts when you read the script?
I like bold, daring subject matter and this is certainly that. I like the fact that we’re not judging anything. And, also, a strong female lead is so rare still. The director is female, the writers are female as well … that is so rare and it’s so great to be part of this team. When I met with everyone there was an immediate connection. I’d never worked with Holly Dale before, but when she showed me the mood boards and the water theme … visually it’s going to be stunning as well.
Mary Kills People airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Global.
Following the 2016 debut of YTV’s L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables film, nominated for three Canadian Screen Awards this year, YTV announced today the world premiere dates for The Good Stars and Fire & Dew, the second and third installments in its film series, respectively. From birthdays to baking to boys, Anne Shirley tries to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence in the second film, The Good Stars, premiering on Family Day, Monday, February 20 at 6 p.m. ET/PT. Anne’s next adventure takes her to Charlottetown in YTV’s final chapter of this classic Canadian tale, Fire & Dew, bowing on Canada’s 150th Birthday, Saturday, July 1.
In partnership with Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc. and Executive Produced by L.M. Montgomery’s granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler, YTV is proud to share its authentic re-telling of this iconic Canadian tale with audiences of all ages. Shot entirely in Canada, the film series features an all-star cast in reprising roles including series star, Ella Ballentine (Anne Shirley), critically acclaimed actor, Martin Sheen, (Matthew Cuthbert), and legendary Canadian actress, Sara Botsford (Marilla Cuthbert). Botsford was recently nominated by the Canadian Screen Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Program or Limited Series for her portrayal of Marilla Cuthbert in the first film.Â
In L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars, beloved Anne Shirley turns thirteen and faces a host of new milestones: first sleepovers, culinary misadventures, and shifting relationships with her bosom friend Diana and academic rival Gilbert Blythe. Through all this, Anne strives to strike a balance between becoming an upstanding, sensible young woman, and embracing her inquisitive and free-spirited nature. Premieres Family Day, Monday, February 20 at 6 p.m. ET/PT. Watch YTV’s new trailer for The Good Stars and catch up on the first film Monday, February 20 at 4 p.m. ET/PT or watch it on ytv.com and the YTVGo App starting today.
In L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables: Fire & Dew, Anne heads to Charlottetown to attend accelerated classes as she continues to work towards her dream of being a school teacher. While there, she is forced to adapt quickly to her new surroundings and classmates as she navigates her way through her first school experience outside of her beloved Green Gables. Anne finds herself facing daunting choices for her future, the stirrings of romance, and tragedy unlike anything she’s ever known. Meanwhile, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert contend with advancing age as they deal with financial challenges and the first signs of declining health. As a special Canada Day celebration, YTV is hosting a marathon of the L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables films concluding with the premiere of Fire & Dew on Saturday, July 1.
Originally published in 1908 by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the tale of Anne Shirley and her adventures in Green Gables span over 8 novels and has reached readers in over 25 languages.
L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables film series is produced by Breakthrough Entertainment in association with L. M. Montgomery’s granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler who served as Executive Producer. Award-winning director John Kent Harrison, who also wrote The Good Stars returns, as well as Susan Coyne who wrote Fire & Dew. Additional cast includes Julia Lalonde and Drew Haytaoglu who star in reprising roles.
